Rock On! with Danny Coleman's entertainment picks

Welcome to my musical world! This is one man’s attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!

Most of us know him as “Zed” from the “Police Academy” series; others may remember him from the 80’s movie “One Crazy Summer,” whether it be film or stand up comedy, Bobcat Goldthwait leaves a memorable impression.

Known for his unique facial expressions accompanied by a loud screaching voice, Goldthwait grew to iconic status while only in his twenties. As is the case with any career, things tend to ebb and flow and after the successes of the ‘80’s Bobcat seemingly slipped off of the entertainment radar.

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Ah, but perception isn’t always reality, as is the case with Goldthwait. Over the last two decades he has become a film maker, an award winning film director and the director of a popular late night television show. He has made multiple cameo appearances in both film and television and has continued to do his stand up comedy, in short, Bobcat has diversified.

Goldthwait was kind enough to take time out of his Hawaiian vacation and grant me an interview just prior to his upcoming March 15 and 16 scheduled appearances at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach. The following is the Q & A that ensued with this engaging personality.

Rock On: You’re back doing your stand up comedy again, what can we expect from this version?

Bobcat: “I’m back! This time I’m having fun because this is more me, who I am. In the past I felt like I developed this persona that I got locked into; I felt like I was almost in a big purple Barney suit, “I love you, you love..” (laughs) people expected me to act a certain way; I don’t feel locked in anymore. I’m not locked in at all, I’m enjoying myself again; I’ve gotten rid of most of my old material and I’m writing new, I’ve been doing a lot of writing. This time I’m just going to tell stories about life and things that I’ve been through; it’s funny, the things that have happened to me and I’m just going to relay them. It’s going to be fun, I’ll tell stories and just hang out and hopefully everybody will enjoy it.”

Rock On: How long is this tour?

Bobcat: “I have a lot of dates in a short time; I’m booked through the summer.”

Rock On: I understand that you worked with Jimmy Kimmel?

Bobcat: “I directed the Jimmy Kimmel show for three years, I jokingly tell people, I say that I needed to leave the show because that guy was going nowhere (laughing)! I enjoyed my time there, Jimmy and I are friends, we still keep in touch.”

Rock On: Did you find going from being an actor to directing a challenge? Can you compare the two?

Bobcat: “I think, well I tell people that I retired from acting the same time that they stopped hiring me (laughs). I do think that having been an actor is very advantageous; being on both sides of the camera definitely helps. I’m an involved director. Having been an actor and seeing things from that angle, when an actor has an idea or suggestion or questions something, I listen. There are many who enjoy being told to stand here, stay there, they need direction; not me, I am always open for ideas.”

Rock On: Well, it must be working, you’ve recently been named “Director Of The Year” by Esquire magazine.

Bobcat: “That’s pretty crazy huh? I really appreciate the nod, the fact that they did that is much appreciated. I joke with Kimmel that I wish it had happened earlier because then I could’ve used it to say, “Hey you have to listen to me, I’m director of the year!” (laughing) I’m very happy about it, it’s nice to be appreciated.”

Rock On: Your most recent film is called “God Bless America” what can you tell me about it?

Bobcat: “It’s kind of funny, I mean in a weird way. It’s very violent. It’s about us as a society and about being fed up with where we are going as people. The characters, well, well you have to see it but it’s like a “Network” / “Bonnie & Clyde” hybrid. This was very low budget, I like it that way. I feel that it allows me more personal freedom that way; I prefer not to have to listen to the larger studios. We shoot entire movies for what it costs some productions or studios to do one scene. I just finished a movie about Bigfoot, we’ll get it ready ship it out to some festivals and see what people think; we’ll sell films at the festivals too.”

Rock On: Back in the ‘80’s when you acted in “One Crazy Summer” there was a scene where you wore a Godzilla suit and trampled a small city; one of the funniest scenes that I have ever enjoyed watching, was it as much fun making that movie and that scene in particular?

Bobcat: “(laughing) Thank you. That was a lot of fun. That’s actually where I became friends with Joel Murray and Savage Steve Holland. Joel is in my recent movies. That whole thing was great, we were all in our early twenties, we got thrown together on Cape Cod and Nantucket for several weeks and we made the most of it; that was a lot of fun making that movie. I still keep in touch with most of that cast.”

Rock On: One final question, the voice, the Bobcat trademark voice; is it put on, was it inspired by anyone?

Bobcat: “It’s not based on anybody (laughs). The voice actually came out of my own nervousness. I’m also a fan of persona guys, comedians like Andy Kaufman who could assume a role. I kind of combined the two to help me get over my nerves on stage. Funny thing is that now I’m not nervous, yet people still think that they see or hear the voice. I want to say, “but I’m not doing the voice,” but I just let it go.”

Bobcat went on to tell me that his show is “more of the R rated variety” but that it’s audience friendly. Goldthwait may have gotten over his nervousness and lost his trademark “voice,” but make no mistake, the man is still the same. The title of his most recent Showtime stand up special is “You Don’t Look The Same Either,” a testament to where he’s at in his life and career at the moment and a new stand up performance is only a very short drive away in Point Pleasant, NJ.

Bobcat is appearing at Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club for three shows, the first of which is 10 p.m. on Friday march 15. The second and third show are on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Tickets are $25 or the dinner package is only $59.95 which includes dinner and the show. To find out more information please go to www.unclevinniescomedyclub.com .

Last week I wrote of the tribute to Hamilton musician Gary Anderson who had passed away unexpectedly in the fall. All that I have to say is, wow! The turn out for this event was simply amazing and the talent was top-notch. Cedar Gardens Pub was overflowing with patrons and well wishers alike. Well deserved kudos to Frank Clayton for putting it all together, great job Frank. Special thanks to all of the attendees and musicians as well as Ted for making the night special.

This week has multiple shows of interest. Thursday night at 8 p.m. right back at Cedar Gardens Pub in Hamilton, our good buddy Ryche Chlanda gives a farewell performance. This former Fire Ballet and Nektar guitarist is embarking on tour as the new guitarist of Renaissance. Ryche is giving a final area performance before he goes on the road and he’d love to see you all come on out.

Also on Thursday, The Mike Montrey Band hits the stage at Triumph Brewing Co. in New Hope, Pa. A fantastic tight sounding band, these guys know how to rock. They are well worth the trip across the big river for a night of great original music.

Friday has Tangled at The Sticky Wicket on So. Broad Street in Hamilton and rock “legend” David Johansen at The Record Collector on Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown.

Saturday Deep Release returns to Pete’s Steak House on White Horse Avenue in Hamilton and topping off an amazing weekend at The Record Collector is Jeffrey Gaines.

That’s just some of the fantastic music to be found this coming week in our area. As always, please continue to get out there and support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!